In 2009 it was estimated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that there are approximately 600 thousand homeless people in this country that cannot afford decent housing. Of this population approximately 23% are families with children. Can affordable housing be created in the United States that is safe, energy efficient, and inexpensive? There is a growing movement of building small 125-300 square foot houses that are inexpensive to build, maintain, are energy efficient because of their size, and many can be put on relatively small plots of land. There are many different styles of houses used around the world that can be considered, as well as housing made from shipping containers, polyurethane foam, and other methods. This study will look at the various opportunities to create low income housing and relieve the burden on society and the people that are most affected by this issue.